Kids round-up: Amazon Kids+ & Moonbug strike content partnership; BBC names Kate Morton as pre-school programming lead

Arpo

Amazon Kids+ & Moonbug strike content partnership

Amazon Kids+, the retail and streaming giant’s child-focused subscription service, and London-and-LA-based kids content company Moonbug Entertainment, have partnered to create original productions for children.

The first joint streaming project will be animated series Arpo Robot Babysitter, based on the YouTube series Arpo, which will premiere exclusively on Amazon Kids+.

Arpo is an animated show for children 3-7 years old, with the new original production following Arpo as he faces new challenges, between caring for Danny’s adopted Korean baby sister Cookie and adjusting to a team of new robots built by Mom.

The wide-ranging content deal will also involve the development of a mobile game.

“Our partnership with Amazon Kids+ expands Arpo’s world and takes children on new adventures,” said Andy Yeatman, MD of the Americas at Moonbug. “Arpo’s unique format makes it accessible to kids across the globe, making them laugh as they meet new characters and sharpen their problem-solving skills.”

Kate Morton

BBC names Kate Morton as pre-school programming lead

UK pubcaster the BBC has appointed Kate Morton as pre-school programming lead.

Morton, who currently serves as content strategy director of family brands at Entertainment One, will join the company later in the summer as BBC Children’s head of commissioning and acquisitions for 0-6s. She will report into Patricia Hidalgo, director of BBC Children’s and Education and work alongside Sarah Muller, BBC Children’s Head of commissioning and acquisitions.

In her new role, Morton will be responsible for all commissions and acquisitions – from both in-house production teams and the independent sector – as well as for delivering outstanding content for audiences 0-6 years old.

She joins with more than 25 years industry experience, having overseen prominent kid’s titles including Peppa Pig, PJ Masks, Ricky Zoom, My Little Pony, Transformers and Power Rangers.

“I’m over the moon to be joining BBC Children’s,” said Morton. “It’s the fulfilment of a lifelong personal goal, and I’m honoured to be given this opportunity to deliver the very best content to engage, educate and entertain children 0-6 and their families across the UK.”